Each year seems to pass faster than the previous, and in all that haste it is easy to miss some of the new openings across the Capital, so here is our Editor’s pick of some great restaurants that opened their doors in 2011.
There was great excitement when Martin Wishart opened his newest venture on Castle Street, this summer. Headed up by Paul Tamburrini, previously from Martin Wishart’s original restaurant at the shore. The Honours takes the best seasonal Scottish produce to create brasserie style dishes so expect Wisharts’ technical prowess in a slightly more casual setting. If you are keen to try the restaurant but you are on a budget, do not miss out on the Prix Fixe lunch and early evening menu for under £20, Tue – Fri. This is an exceptional opportunity to sample this caliber of cooking at a great price, or go all out for the A La Carte menu. www.thehonours.com
Based on St Stephens Street in Stockbridge, Purslane quietly opened their doors just before Christmas but they have built up a steady and loyal following already. The restaurant is small but cosy and serves up high quality food in a casual and friendly environment. Head Chef, Paul Gunning has worked for a number of Edinburgh favourites: Balmoral No 1 and La Garrigue but this is his first solo venture and it is already proving to be popular, with those in the know. Check back for our full review of Purslane, out next week, and check out their site for deals in January. www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk
When Joanna Blythman – arguably one of the finest food writers and critics in the UK – places you in her top three restaurants in Scotland, you can probably pat yourself on the back. And that is exactly what happened to Mark Greenaway; having opened in February 2011, Greenaway’s cooking has received its fair share of attention and for as little as £20 you too could give his expertise a try. The daily Market Menu runs at lunch and in the early evening and includes three-courses for £20, Tue – Sat. If you are feeling flush then put yourself in Greenaway’s care and try out the Tour Menu that can be paired with matching wines. Visit www.no12picardyplace.com
Situated in the Capital Building where The Grape once resided; Amarone is brought to Edinburgh by Glasgow restauranteurs, the Di Maggio family. If you have visited our West Coast neighbour over the years, then it is likely that you will have enjoyed a casual meal at one of Di Maggio’s city centre venues. Based on the hoardes of people that are packing out Amarone it would seem that many an Edinburgh resident has already acquianted themselves with this contemporary and stylish venue. See their site for more info: www.amaronerestaurant.co.uk
Paying homage to Southwest cusine (a fusion of Mexican, Native American and Spanish settler with a dash of Cowboy creativity) this is the perfect joint to hit up when hunger is calling, or perhaps the night before needs dealt with… either way, revive your weary soul with mammoth burritos, tacos and chicken wings and don’t hold back on the fresh salsas.www.illegaljacks.co.uk
Khushi’s is Edinburgh’s original Indian restaurant, having opened its doors in 1947, this family restaurant is still wildly popular so it was great to see them open a new set of doors in the east end of the city, in 2011. To add to that, a sister restaurant, Mithas, opened in Leith’s fine dining district and its Taster Menu offers a fresh and utterly delicious take on Indian dining. Both venues are BYOB which can only help during these lean, post-Christmas months! www.khushis.com & www.mithas.co.uk
Opened in October 2011 and situated above West End institution, The Rutland, Kyloe offers diners a gourmet steak experience that includes eight different cuts of pedigree Aberdeen Angus Steak as well as a number of British bar classics. During January, Kyloe will be offering a 50% off voucher if you register on their site, or there is always the two-courses for £20 menu, ideal for a midweek catch up with friends. www.kyloerestaurant.com
Enjoy the year ahead and be sure to try out these, and some of the other great new restaurants that opened in 2011!
